Allowed Photo Sizes, Media Types, and Other Requirements

We estimate the number of photos that fit in each box based on the most common 4x6 inch photo size. However, we can scan many different sizes, including Polaroids.

Acceptable Photo Dimensions:

• Minimum: 2 x 3 inches
• Maximum: 8.5 x 15 inches, and 0.5mm thick

Photos that are too large, too small, too thick, or oddly shaped cannot be scanned. We will try our best to scan folded cards or papers, but cannot guarantee the scan quality. We are unable to make exceptions to these photo size limits.

The photo surface must not be covered in tape, glue, or heavy adhesive. It is fine to send photos that have been removed from sticky albums, so long as they don't stick to other photos.

Media Types

Our Prepaid Scanning Boxes include all the photo prints you can fit. We can scan any type of photo print as long as it is cardstock thickness or thinner (Polaroids are acceptable).

For non-print items, please see our non-print media additional pricing.

Fragile Documents (Not Recommended)

We can scan newspapers, letters, handwritten notes, holiday/birthday cards, certificates, and documents, but do not recommend it due to their fragile nature. Our scanning process is optimized for photos, not documents.

Photo Organization

Please remove photos from envelopes and bags (unless you have ordered Photo Grouping).

Required Photo Organization

• ✅ Organize by Size: Stack all 4x6 photos together, then 5x7 photos, and so on.
• ✅ Face Up: Ensure each photo is visible and facing up.
• ✅ Flatten Photos: Each photo should be as flat as possible.

You do not need to rotate photos before sending. We will rotate them as needed during scanning.

Additional Requirements

We recommend cleaning your photos of loose dust or debris before sending, as this can cause streaking and discoloration in scans. Organizing photos by size is required.

Prohibited Items: Remove all staples, adhesives, paper clips, tape, loose plastic photo covers, glitter, or glue residue from your photos. Remove photos from envelopes and bags (unless you are using Photo Grouping).

Photos with rounded or trimmed edges and non-rectangular shapes are generally acceptable. Non-rectangular photos may not be perfectly oriented after scanning.

Photos that do not meet these requirements will be skipped during scanning without notification. If you are missing photos after receiving your order back, please double-check that they met these requirements.

What damage photos we can scan

Yes, we can often scan and automatically repair damaged prints.

You can send in photos that have torn edges, missing paper backing, or light surface wear as long as they meet our basic requirements. If those conditions are met, our scanners will usually capture the image and our Magic Enhancements can improve scratches, yellowing, and fading.

Adhesive, sticky residue, and tape

• Remove excess adhesive, tape, or sticky residues from the front of a photo before sending. Adhesives on the image side are listed in our prohibited items and can interfere with scanning.
• If a photo still has some backing or residue on the reverse side, that alone usually isn’t a problem (we scan backs too). However, thick glue lumps or tape that prevents the photo lying flat may prevent scanning.
• If you must flag a photo, use a clean index card placed between photos rather than adhesive directly on the print.

If photos are still stuck to the album or will be badly damaged by removal

You have three practical choices:

1. Carefully try to remove the photos yourself and send them flat (preferred). Take your time and avoid pulling so hard the image tears further.
2. If removal will cause severe damage, consider our Albums & Scrapbooks service. We can digitize whole pages or books for $79.50 per book. This preserves the page layout and avoids risking the individual prints.
3. If you’re unsure, separate the problem photos/pages into their own bag and label them clearly. Leave a note on your Order Status Page describing the issue so our team sees it when unpacking.

How we handle photos we cannot scan

• If a photo doesn't meet our requirements (too small, too thick, heavily adhesive, or physically unable to lie flat), we will skip it during scanning. We do not send an automated per-photo rejection notice.
• Skipped photos will be returned to you with your originals. The easiest way to spot skipped items is to compare the returned originals to your Cloud Vault or USB files.
• If you’d like us to try to separate or set aside any likely-unscannable photos when we receive your box, please add a short note on your Order Status Page.